Theatre Young Harris to Present Original Student Work “How Are We Today?” as Part of Second Season

Young Harris College senior theatre major Melissa Tillery, of Blue Ridge, Ga., will present a special staged reading of her original play, “How Are We Today?,” as part of Theatre Young Harris’ Second Season on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. in Dobbs Theatre located in Goolsby Center on the YHC campus. The performance is free and open to the public.

“How Are We Today?” introduces audiences to Sally as she navigates the upside-down world of psychiatric care.  Where can she turn? Who can she trust? Maybe it’s all just in her head.

“We are thrilled to include Melissa’s original play in our season this year,” said Chair of the Theatre Department and Assistant Professor of Theatre Anne Towns. “YHC is dedicated to nurturing young artists of every calling and we hope to encourage more students to produce readings of original works in the future.”

The play will be performed as a staged reading with no set, costumes or lighting—simply the actors on the stage speaking the playwright’s words.

“This gives the audience (and the playwright) an opportunity to really hear the play and find out what the playwright is saying and seeing what “works”—and maybe what doesn’t,” explained Towns. “It’s an enlightening experience for all involved.”

The play is directed by senior theatre major Taylor Tracy, of Blairsville, Ga., and features sophomore theatre major Morgan Mims, of Thomson, Ga., as Sally, senior theatre and music major Sarah Stogsdill, of Shalimar, Fla., as Dr. Fletcher, senior theatre major Ben March, of Blairsville, Ga., as Billy, senior theatre major Brandon Thomas, of Oxford, Ga., as Steven, sophomore theatre major Blake Wilson, of Talking Rock, Ga., as Austin, senior theatre major Aaron Smithson, of Suwanee, Ga., as Robert, and senior theatre major Kaisha Marlow, of Villa Rica, Ga., as Girl.

Theatre Young Harris Second Season performances often include exciting and innovative events like musical revues and cabarets, staged readings, one-act plays, and special recitals.

Theatre Young Harris is a performing arts organization of the College. Each season, the theatre company presents a full lineup of notable productions, including full-length musicals, innovative dramas, classic plays, children’s shows and more. Auditions are open to YHC students, faculty and staff as well as the community.

Individual show tickets for the 2015-2016 Mainstage Series are available by phone at (706) 379-4307, online at yhc.edu/tickets, or in person through the YHC Box Office located in Goolsby Center that opens two weeks prior to Mainstage opening nights on Monday-Friday, 3-5 p.m.